Philippines Climate Change Adaptation Project

Why the Philippines?

Mud-covered plains in Panay Island after severe 
flooding caused by Typhoon Frank

Photo Credit: Spike Call/U.S. Navy

The Philippines has consistently ranked among the most vulnerable countries when it comes to climate change. The Philippines sits on the western edge of the Pacific Ocean, which puts the country in the path of tropical cyclones. Climate change is seen to affect weather patterns globally and the Philippines has in recent years experienced more severe weather.

While the country's geography makes it prone to the effects of climate change, inadequate infrastructure and a weak enabling environment for mitigation and adaptation highlight its vulnerability. It doesn't help that the country is situated in the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, an area of frequent seismic activity (think earthquakes and volcanic eruptions). While severe weather disturbances such as typhoons are a common occurrence in the country, the lack of government capacity and education among Filipinos render the country unable to cope with the impacts of climate change. This situation often leads to devastating results. Not too long ago, one of the strongest typhoons to ever make landfall struck the central part of the country, claiming at least 6,000 lives and leaving billions-worth of material damages.